Key Takeaways
- Google has prolonged the deadline to transform Stadia controllers to Bluetooth mode till December 31, 2025.
- The method to modify the controller to Bluetooth is straightforward and irreversible, however price it since Stadia is not supported.
- Stadia’s devoted controller carries the legacy of Google’s cloud gaming service ahead.
Bear in mind Stadia? Google’s cloud gaming service, which it abruptly shuttered in early 2023? Again then, the corporate gave Stadia customers till the tip of the yr to transform their Wi-Fi Stadia controllers into Bluetooth ones. Then, in direction of the tip of the yr, with lower than two weeks left for the deadline to run out, the corporate modified its thoughts and gave Stadia customers one other yr to save lots of their controller from dying. Virtually a yr later, the corporate has silently prolonged the deadline by one other yr, till December 31, 2025.
Associated
When Google introduced Stadia’s shutdown, it saved the controller from changing into e-waste by offering an choice to allow its Bluetooth mode. This might flip the Stadia controller into a daily gaming controller, which you may use along with your PC, smartphone, or different units. The method to swap the Stadia controller to Bluetooth mode is comparatively easy as effectively, solely requiring you to make use of Chrome 108 or newer.
In the event you nonetheless haven’t upgraded your Stadia controller to Bluetooth mode practically two years after Stadia’s shut down, Google is providing you with one other yr to take action. The method stays simple, and there isn’t any approach of going again. As soon as you turn your Stadia controller to Bluetooth mode, you’ll be able to’t use Wi-Fi.
Provided that Stadia itself is useless, there’s little motive you’ll need to revert to Wi-Fi mode, although. Simply do not forget that if issues go mistaken, you might be out of luck, as Google has stopped offering buyer help for Stadia and its controller.
Do word that in Bluetooth mode, you’ll be able to’t use the Stadia controller’s 3.5mm jack and USB port for headphones. Nevertheless, you need to use the three.5mm jack for audio when utilizing the controller over USB-C.
Google Stadia’s legacy lives on with its controller
The devoted Stadia controller helped distinguish Google’s cloud gaming service from related choices in the marketplace. Practically two years after its shutdown, Stadia stays the one cloud gaming service to launch with a devoted gaming controller. It paired over Wi-Fi with the Chromecast Extremely or PC regardless of that includes an built-in Bluetooth module. You could possibly additionally hook the controller up over USB-C if you happen to wished to.
The Stadia controller was one of many highlights of Google’s cloud gaming service. And even now, two years after its shut down, yow will discover the controller on the market on eBay and different marketplaces.